Way too early NFL predictions: AFC/NFC Championship Game matchups

AFC Championship: Indianapolis Colts

Much like the Patriots, the Indianapolis Colts are in a good position within the conference. Despite a great defense, the Houston Texans aren’t quite close enough to threaten the Colts for the division. As much as I like Jacksonville, I think the Jaguars remain a year or so away. The Tennessee Titans are a mystery, though one which seems like it’s rebuilding.

As for the rest of the AFC, the Colts may not have done all I feel they should have to fix the defense, but they did bring in some talent. If Trent Cole, D’Qwell Jackson and Robert Mathis can create pressure from linebacker, while Kendall Langford helps the defensive line do the same, the secondary could really have a field day.

Offensively, it’s all about Andrew Luck, though the team has done a ton to continue getting him more weapons. T.Y. Hilton could find himself open more, now with Andre Johnson across the field. And even if Johnson isn’t the game-changer he once was, he’s still an exceptional receiver.

Add in a tremendous running back in Frank Gore and you have a situation where the offense is more well-rounded than it has been in a very long time. Gore, like Johnson, may not be the powerhouse he once was, but it’s was clear in San Francisco that he has more juice in the tank. He was one of my favorite Colts signings this year, and he’s going to do great things for this offense in keeping opposing defenses from just teeing off on the pass game.

Andrew Luck has carried this team for a while now. Though I still have my doubts about whether the team has helped him out enough defensively, they shouldn’t have a problem finding their way back here.

At the end of the day, I think the Colts did enough to not only get to the AFC Championship Game, but to beat the Patriots in it as well.

Next: NFC Championship: Green Bay Packers